Stuffed Banana Peppers

I bought the banana peppers and the sausage from my local CSA.  I think the key to this very simple recipe is not to stress if the banana pepper breaks apart. You can always layer, instead of stuff, these ingredients.  From the bottom...banana peppers topped with sausage mix topped with tomato mix topped with cheese.   Simple

Stuffed banana peppers

• 5-6 banana peppers
• 1 lb. pork sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 chopped onion (white, yellow, or Vidalia)
• 1 chopped bell pepper (green, red, or yellow)
• 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (Use 1 or 2 more if you love garlic)
• 1 - 14.5 oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbl. fresh or 2 tsp. dried basil and oregano
• 1 tbs. olive oil & cooking spray
• shredded mozzarella cheese for top

1. Soften banana peppers in boiling water from 5-7 minutes, depending on their size. Remove and set aside
   on paper towels.  
2. Brown the sausage with ½ chopped onion, chopped pepper, 1 minced garlic clove, and ½ of the spices
   together. When the sausage is fully cooked and the peppers have softened, remove and set aside.
3. Keeping the pan hot, spray and add the olive oil. Heat the tomatoes with the remaining onion, garlic, and
   herbs. Taste and add more herbs if you like. Boil, reduce to simmer immediately, and cook 10-15 minutes.
4. Cut the cooled banana peppers lengthwise and remove the tops and seeds. Open side up, line a casserole
   dish.
5. Stuff the opened peppers with the sausage mixture. Pour sauce over the middle of all the stuffed peppers.
   Top with the cheese. Bake at 350F until bubbly.